Chapter Twelve
Everly made her way down the stairs, feeling totally self-conscious. She’d taken a shower, and she’d been partly amused and partly grateful to discover that Tanner had a hairdryer in his bathroom – she was going to have to tease him about that. She’d made herself as presentable as possible, but she was very conscious of the fact that she was still dressed in last night’s clothes.
She hesitated, hoping that perhaps Ford might still be sleeping or out tending to the cattle – or doing whatever people did on a ranch. He seemed nice enough, and he’d been warm and welcoming, but she still wasn’t looking forward to not only having to do the walk of shame, but also having to hang out and have coffee with her hookup’s brother. No – Tanner wasn’t just a hookup. It might be crazy to think that they could make anything happen beyond this week, but he was already more than a hookup.
As she was standing there, lost in her thoughts, Ford popped his head out of the kitchen. “Good morning, come on in. There’s coffee in the pot if you’d like one.”
“Thanks,” she said with a smile. “I’d love one.”
Ford poured her a mug and gestured for her to sit at the big, farmhouse table. “Tanner texted to let me know what’s happening. It sounds like he might be a while.”
Everly’s heart sank. It might be unreasonable of her, but she had to wonder if Tanner had time to text his brother, why he hadn’t texted her.
“He said that he’d messaged you as well, but he didn’t know if you were maybe sleeping in.”
“Oh. Yeah. I took a shower. I haven’t checked my phone.”
Ford gave her an understanding smile. “I don’t want to overstep the mark, but I would like to reassure you – if you want to hear it?”
She cringed. “This is awkward, isn’t it?”
He chuckled. “It could be, if you let it, but it doesn’t have to be. I can imagine how you might be feeling, but you need to know that this is a first.”
She raised her eyebrows.
“Tanner doesn’t do this.”
She had to laugh at the face he made.
“Shit! What I mean is that he doesn’t bring anyone back here. To my knowledge, this is the first time that he’s ever had someone spend the night here.” He ran his hand over his face. “I don’t want to make a mess of this. What I’m trying to say is that you’re not just in an awkward situation after you spent the night with some guy. Well, maybe you see it that way. For what it’s worth, I don’t. And the point that I’m trying to make is that I know damn well that Tanner doesn’t see it that way. You’re important to him.”
“Thanks.”
Ford chuckled. “I kind of fucked that up, didn’t I?”
She laughed. “No. I appreciate you saying it. I do feel kind of embarrassed. I want to tell you that I don’t do this kind of thing – like, ever. But you don’t know me, you have no way of knowing if I’m telling the truth.”
Ford met her gaze. “Yeah, I do. I’m a good judge of character. You wouldn’t tell me that if it weren’t true.”
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t. I’m not a liar.”
He nodded. “I can tell, and for what it’s worth, I think you could be good for Tanner.”
She blew out a sigh.
“I take it that means you don’t want to be?”
She shrugged. “Want? Yeah, I like the idea. But how realistic is it? I live in Napa. I don’t live here. And even if I did…”
“Even if you did, what?”
She made a face. “Why are you so easy to talk to?”
Ford laughed. “That’s a new one. Most people think that I’m the broody one and try to stay out of my way.”
“Really? You surprise me.”
He did come across as somehow darker than Tanner and the other brothers, but he was a handsome devil when he winked.
“I’m glad to hear it. And what was it you were about to tell me?”
“That Tanner really doesn’t know me that well.”
Ford frowned. “Are you going to tell me that you’re hiding some dark secrets?”
She laughed. “I wouldn’t exactly describe it that way – although Tanner might see it that way when I tell him.”
“Tell him what?”
“I wasn’t trying to hide it from him. It’s just that every time I’ve been about to tell him, something interrupts us.”
“Go on, put me out of my misery,” Ford said with a smile. “Are you a felon?” His smile faded. “Married?”
“No! Nothing like that. I have a little boy. His name’s Ashton. He’s nine. He’s my whole world. That’s why I don’t think it’s realistic to think that Tanner and I might be able to build anything beyond this week.”
“Because you don’t want to move Ashton away from Napa?”
“No. I was prepared to do that. In fact, that’s the reason that I’m here – I came for a job interview. What I mean, is that I can’t imagine Tanner being interested in … You know.”
Ford looked thoughtful. “I think you should give him the chance to decide that for himself. He’s great with kids – have you met Mateo and Maya? Wade’s kids?”
She shook her head. “He’s told me about them, but I haven’t met them. It sounds like he loves them.”
“He does. We all do.” Ford pursed his lips. “Obviously, I can’t speak for him, but I really can’t see him having a problem with your boy. Is his father in the picture?”
“No. He’s never shown any interest in Ashton, and that was fine by me. We dated for a while, but we broke up while I was pregnant.”
Ford frowned. “Does he contribute?”
Everly sat up straighter, feeling somewhat defensive. She’d been criticized too many times over her choices when it came to the father of her son. “He doesn’t. I made a deal with him; I didn’t name him on the birth certificate and that left him with no responsibilities – or rights.”
She felt herself relax when Ford smiled and said, “That seems like a smart move to me – I’m guessing people have expressed different opinions in the past?”
“Yeah. I’ve been called everything from stupid to cruel. I’ve been as honest with Ashton as I feel is appropriate for his age. As he grows up and has more questions – which he no doubt will – I’ll tell him the truth. If he wants to try and develop a relationship with his father at some point, I’ll do what I can to make that happen. The choice I made was the right one, I believe that with my whole heart and soul. He doesn’t need to live with the ongoing disappointment of being let down on a regular basis. As for the financial side of it, I’m not exactly loaded, but we do alright. He doesn’t go without anything that he needs. And speaking from experience, I can honestly say that knowing that we can’t always get everything we want is a good thing. It puts things in perspective.”
She stopped and made a face at Ford. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to ramble on at you.”
“You didn’t. You explained how things are for you. And I have to tell you that I admire you.”
Her hand came up to cover her heart. It was weird; she didn’t even know the guy, but his words meant a lot. “Thank you, Ford.”
“There’s no need for thanks. I’m just saying it how I see it. I think you should tell Tanner about Ashton just as soon as you can, though. I can’t see him having a problem with you having a kid, but…”
“But what?” Her heart pounded as she wondered what he meant.
“But you should tell him soon; the more time that goes by before you do, the more it’s going to seem like you’re hiding it. Then, the issue isn’t about Ashton, it’s about honesty.”
She blew out a sigh. “I know. You’re right. I feel bad. At first, I didn’t think there was any point – any need. I thought Tanner was just the friendly bartender who I hung out with one night. Now… It’s already so much more than that, but I promise you, I really haven’t been trying to hide it.”
“I get it. I’m just saying how it might look.”
“Thanks.”
“I reckon it’ll be okay. What do you think, do you want some breakfast while we wait?”
She checked her watch. “I don’t want to stop you from getting on with your day. I have no idea how long it’ll be before he comes back.”
“It’s not a problem. You’re welcome to hang out here. I can make you some breakfast before I head out. You were going to stick around for lunch with everyone anyway, right?”
“I was, but maybe I should… Do they have such a thing as taxis or Uber around here? I could go back to Remington Ranch and come back later. That way I’d have my rental car.”
“Is that what you want to do? I can check with him – see how long he’s going to be.”
“Would you mind? I don’t want to pester him.”
Ford took his phone out and sent a quick text. “I doubt he’d see it as you pestering,” he said with a smile.
He looked down at his phone a moment later. “It doesn’t look good. Janey, our sister, she’s a vet, is out there with them.” He looked up at Everly. “Would you feel more comfortable going back to the Remington place?”
“I think I would. I’m not running away or anything, I can come back later if he gets the horse taken care of, and he wants me to.”
“He’ll want you to. No doubt about it. You want a taxi ride then?”
“I can call one if you have a number.”
He chuckled and got to his feet. “I’m your taxi, honey. I’ll take you back up there.”
She watched the barn in the rearview mirror as Ford drove her up the long driveway.
“Did you shoot him a text yet?” Ford asked.
“I didn’t want to disturb him. Do you think I should?”
“I do. Just be sure to tell him that you’ll come back later.”
Everly: I’m going back over to Remington Ranch. I asked Ford to give me a ride. I’m not running away, just getting out of the way while you’re busy. If you still want me to come back later, just give me a shout and I’ll be there. Hope the horse is okay.
She opened her purse to put her phone in, not expecting to hear back from him for a while. It beeped with a text before she’d even zipped the purse back up.
Tanner: Shit. Sorry, Ev. I didn’t mean to abandon you like that. She’s going to be okay. I’ll give you a call as soon as she’s in the clear.
Everly: It’s all good. I’ll see you later.
~ ~ ~
It was just after noon by the time Tanner got back to the house. The mare was going to be all right. That was the most important thing. One of the hands was at the barn keeping an eye on her, and Tanner would go back to check on her later.
Seeing his siblings out on the back porch, accompanied by their spouses and partners, gave him a sinking feeling in his stomach. Callie wouldn’t have left if Kolby had been called away to an emergency. Shayna was the most recent addition to the family, and she’d come to the family lunch by herself just a couple of weeks ago when Ty had been helping Travis on a renovation project.
He gave himself a mental shake. It wasn’t the same. It wasn’t as though he and Everly were together in the way that the others were. He was getting ahead of himself. It might feel like a lot longer, but he’d only known the girl for less than 48 hours.
As he trotted up the porch steps, Ty waved a spatula at him from his spot at the grill.
“Is the mare going to be alright?”
“Yeah. She’ll be fine in a day or two.”
“That’s good news. What about Everly? Is she coming for lunch?”
Tanner took his phone out of his back pocket. “I hope so.” He smiled as he dialed her number; he couldn’t wait to hear her voice. He was disappointed when it went straight to voicemail.
“Hey, darlin’. It’s me. I’m just getting back to the house now. I need to take a quick shower, and then I can come pick you up whenever you’re ready. Call me back.”
Ty grinned at him. “It suits you.”
“What does?”
“Being in a relationship.”
He frowned. “Do you think you can really call this a relationship? Don’t get me wrong, I’d like it to be. But…”
“But nothing. Okay, so you might have only known her for five minutes,” Ty said with a laugh. “But when it’s right, it’s right, and it seems to me that between you and Everly, it’s all kinds of right.”
“It sure seems that way.” His smile faded. “But she lives in Napa.”
“I know that might seem like an obstacle in the beginning – believe me, I do. I didn’t see how Shay and I would be able to get together. But look at us now.”
Tanner shook his head. “Yeah, but look what it took for her to move here.”
Ty looked more serious. “True. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, let alone on Everly. All I’m saying is that things can work out even when they look impossible.”
“I hope so. I’m going to run up and take a shower.”
“Take your time; there’s no hurry. We’re not going to eat until a bit later today. Trav and Retta are coming over, and Trip said that he might make it as well.”
“I might not be in a hurry to eat, but I am in a hurry to go pick Everly up again.”
He turned when he heard Ford speak behind him. “Have you spoken to her yet? She said that she’d drive herself back over.”
Tanner frowned. “I can go and get her.”
Ty laughed. “Don’t look so disappointed, Tan. You don’t need to chauffeur her around the whole time. I was like that with Shay at first, but she started to feel a whole lot happier and more at home when she started driving herself around.”
Ford nodded. “I’m not trying to tell you what to do. Just relaying what she told me.”
“What’s going on?” Ty asked. “Don’t tell me Ford’s making a move on your girl?”
“No. Ford did me a big favor this morning, taking care of her when I had to run out the door at six-thirty.”
Ford shrugged. “Not a problem. I like her. I have high hopes for the two of you.”
“Aww!” Shayna had come to join them at the grill, and she was smiling at Ford. “You’re the best,” she told him.
Ty slid his arm around her waist. “Excuse me, sweetheart. Aren’t I the best?”
She kissed him and rested her head against his shoulder. “You know you are. But you know what I mean, too. Ford’s awesome, and it doesn’t seem like the rest of you give him enough credit. I’m just making sure that he knows it.”
Ford chuckled and muttered something before he walked away. The slight flush of pink on his ears and neck amused Tanner to no end. Ford liked to come across as something of a grouch, but he was a soft touch when it came down to it.
Tanner went inside and hurried upstairs to take his shower. He was hoping that Everly would get straight back to him, and he didn’t want to miss her.
When he got out, he wrapped a towel around his waist and swiped a corner of it over the steamed-up screen of his phone. There was still nothing back from her.
As he got dried, he smiled at the sight of the hairdryer on the counter. It was a relic from the days when he’d first come home and tried wearing his hair much longer. He kept meaning to throw the damn thing out, but since it looked like Everly must have used it this morning, he was glad that he’d never gotten around to doing so.
Once he was dressed, he sat on the bed to pull his socks on, scowling at his phone as he debated whether he should call her again. He didn’t want to be too pushy, but he didn’t want to waste too much of the afternoon either – they’d already lost the whole morning.
~ ~ ~
A few miles up the road, in the lodge at Remington Ranch, Everly was scowling at her own phone. Just when she’d convinced herself that she might as well make the most of the rest of the week here with Tanner, it seemed that everything had been turned on its head.
Her mom had called just after she arrived back here. Joe’s mom had taken a turn for the worse, and he was flying back to Hawaii in the morning. Her mom said that it was fine, that Everly should still stay for the rest of the week, but Everly knew that if she were to go home, her mom would be able to follow Joe to Hawaii.
While she was still trying to digest that news and figure out what she was going to do, a text had come in from her dad.
She shook her head as she reread it.
Dad: I’m sorry, Everly. Something came up. I know that sounds like an excuse, but it really isn’t. I only got back to Montana this morning. Is there any chance that you still want to see me?
She stared at the words until the tears in her eyes made them blur. She wanted to believe him, she truly did. But this wasn’t the first time – or even the dozenth time – that he’d made promises and then let her down. He wasn’t a bad man – he was a good man at heart. She knew that. But good people could still be bad for you, she knew that, too.
She closed the text and played Tanner’s voicemail again. She knew that he’d be disappointed if she didn’t go back to the ranch to have lunch with him and his family. But maybe it was for the best?
She shook her head sadly and pulled up the airline website. She’d see when the next available flight home was. Then she’d call him back.